Looking Toward the Future

It would be interesting to know just how many people learned to swim in the Trinity pool in the seventy plus years it was operational.  Chances are it was well into the thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.  The pool was used by Forest Park Jr. High / Middle School for years for their physical education classes.  In addition there were water babies, swim, and lifeguard classes there.  It fulfilled the vision of the founding fathers as an asset for the community.  Unfortunately, as the pool aged, the maintenance became too expensive and the pool was closed.

As Trinity looks to the future, the current leadership is hoping to stay true to the vision of the founding fathers by converting the pool space into a handicapped accessible community room with handicapped accessible restrooms attached. To this end, the church launched a capital funds campaign last year.  Thus far approximately $100,000 of the $400,000 needed for this project has been pledged.  We are continuing to apply for grants since this will be earmarked for community use.  Donations to Trinity on Valley Gives Day will help speed the process of making this dream a reality.

How will this new room be used?  The vision includes an expansion of the after school program for Forest Park Middle School students, additional ESL and Citizenship classes for the immigrants in our community, availability of the room for Springfield Senior Services, the Golden Agers, and the American Red Cross for blood drives.  Undoubtedly, many more uses will make themselves known in the future.

Just as the founding fathers of Trinity tried to make the community building available to meet the needs of the neighborhood, current leaders are attempting to meet the changing needs of the community.  The world around us is changing, as are the demographics of the Forest Park area. Trinity is looking to meet the needs of our neighbors as we go forward with our urban ministry and outreach.

We still hear people comment that they learned to swim in the Trinity pool.  It is our hope that in the future we will hear people say such things as:

"I learned to speak English at Trinity"

"I spent my after school hours in a safe place learning about the arts"

"I enjoyed time spent with my peers at Golden Agers meetings."

You can help make this new community room a reality by making a donation to Trinity on Valley Gives Day, Dec. 12.  To make your donation to Trinity or to read more about our story, go to the Trinity Valley Gives page.

Thank you for helping us continue to be a strong presence in the Springfield area and to provide the services our neighbors need.